Shota Imanaga has another impressive outing in Cubs' 7-4 win over Phillies
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Shota Imanaga has another impressive outing in Cubs' 7-4 win over Phillies” inside PodZeus.
The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show breaks down the Chicago Cubs' 7-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field, highlighting Shota Imanaga's dominant seven-inning performance and the team's seven-game winning streak. The hosts celebrate Imanaga's resurgence, emphasizing his elite control, low WHIP (.72), and career-high 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings, calling him the true ace of the staff. They praise the Cubs' offensive depth, noting key contributions from Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, and Michael Busch’s game-winning bloop hit, while acknowledging the team’s improved performance against left-handed pitching compared to last season. The discussion also touches on the pitching staff’s efficiency, with Imanaga throwing just 87 pitches, and the importance of Craig Counsell’s strategic use of starters. The hosts express optimism about the Cubs’ playoff potential, despite early struggles from some veterans, and reflect on the team’s transformation into a serious contender in the National League.
Shota Imanaga is now the undisputed ace of the Cubs' pitching staff, with a 2.90 FIP and league-leading .72 WHIP.
The Cubs are 14-9 and on a seven-game winning streak, showing they can win despite poor RISP performance (2 for 14).
The team has significantly improved against left-handed pitching, with multiple players excelling in that matchup.
Pitching efficiency is a key strength—Imanaga threw only 87 pitches in seven innings, and starters are routinely going deep into games.
Michael Busch’s game-winning bloop hit in the sixth inning was a pivotal moment in the 7-4 victory.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Cubs Win 7-4 Over Phillies, Extend Winning Streak
“The Cubs win the ball game. The Cubs win it and they've won seven in a row.”
Shota Imanaga’s Resurgence and Ace Status
“The best time to admit that Shota Imanaga is the ace of the Cubs was when I said it. The next best time is today.”
Offensive Depth and Key Hits
The discussion turns to the Cubs’ offensive production, spotlighting Seiya Suzuki’s home run, Nico Hoerner’s strong performance against lefties, and Michael Busch’s game-winning bloop hit with two outs.
Improved Performance Against Left-Handed Pitching
The hosts contrast this season’s success against lefties with last year’s struggles, crediting players like Hoerner, Bregman, Suzuki, and Carson Kelly for stepping up in key matchups.
Pitching Efficiency and Craig Counsell’s Strategy
The hosts reflect on the Cubs’ pitching staff’s ability to go deep into games, citing Imanaga, Javier Assad, and Jamison Tyone as examples. They praise manager Craig Counsell for maximizing starter usage in today’s era.
“The best time to admit that Shota Imanaga is the ace of the Cubs was when I said it. The next best time is today.”
“Shota Minaga has made 59 starts in the major leagues. Shota Minaga has walked the leadoff batter... one time. It was last night.”
“He leads the league. .72. Woo! That means over the course of four innings, he allows less than three guys on base over the course of the four innings.”
Hosts
Shota Imanaga
person
Chicago Cubs
other
Philadelphia Phillies
other
Nico Hoerner
person
Seiya Suzuki
person
Michael Busch
person
Carson Kelly
person
Craig Counsell
person
104.3 The Score
media
Javier Assad
person
Ian Happ discusses his hot start, Nico Hoerner's contract extension
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
Edward Cabrera shines in his Cubs debut
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 15m • 3/31/2026
Examining the Bears’ receiver void
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
5 On It: How confident are you in what Edward Cabrera can bring to the Cubs?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 18m • 3/31/2026
Will White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami hit 40 home runs this season?
Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show • 12m • 3/31/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Shota Imanaga has another impressive outing in Cubs' 7-4 win over Phillies” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime